Double celebrations as pair mark 100th birthdays

Double celebrations as pair mark 100th birthdays

The Pope sent his best wishes to a woman from a Sunninghill care home as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Jennie Palmer, a Roman Catholic and resident at the Lynwood Care Centre in Rise Road, reached her milestone on Tuesday and was treated to birthday cards from royal figures from around the world.

As well as receiving a written blessing from the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Jennie also got a card from The Queen and HRH Princess Alexandra, who officially opened the Lynwood Care Centre in September.

Jennie’s children, 69-year-old Jennifer Butcher from Ascot and 75-year-old Richard Palmer from Windsor, helped organise a special birthday party to mark the occasion.

About 50 people turned out for the birthday bash including residents from Jennie’s former home at St Andrew’s Cottages in Windsor.

Jennie’s daughter Jennifer told the Express: “She took the whole day in her stride and loved watching everybody dance.

“I’ll never forget it.”

A war veteran also celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Aubrey Rose turned 100 on Sunday and celebrated with a party at Sandown Park Care Home, in Vale Road, where he lives.

The centenarian lived independently at the Willows Riverside Park before moving to the care home in December.

Aubrey was an instructor of small arms at Bushfield Camp, Winchester, during the Second World War before undertaking a key role in the conflict.

Last year, he was awarded the French medal Legion D’Honneur for being part of the second liberation front. He was one of the first to enter Berlin after it had fallen and even visited the German Chancellery, bringing home a small piece of Hitler’s desk.

After the war he became a textile agent and worked in London until he retired in 1981.

In 1943 he married Gladys and had two children, Peter and Pauline.

He now has four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Daughter Pauline Rawlings said: “He celebrated his 100th party surrounded by family and friends.”